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Secrets to Better Airbnb Reviews

As an experienced Airbnb host, you may already know that the key to more and better bookings is great reviews. Hosts with more positive reviews get ranked better on the Airbnb platform and are better able to charge higher rates. Positive reviews have also been proven to make those listing get more confirmed bookings once a consumer clicks on the listing and reads through the reviews. Following are the secrets to better Airbnb reviews.

Be Responsive

If you have a consumer reach out to you with a question prior to a booking, be sure to answer them as soon as you receive the message notification. Consumers usually want to confirm accommodations as soon as possible. If you don’t respond, they’ll quickly move on to their next choice. When you’re responsive like this, it will likely be noted in your Airbnb review.

Be Helpful

Once your booking is confirmed, message your guest and ask if you can be of service to them. Ask if you can help to arrange activities, transportation or information about the place or the community where the property is located.

Be Personal

Whenever you message your guest, be sure to use their first name. Sign your message with your name, too, so they have that personal feeling and realize that they’re just dealing with another “real” human being.

Be Informative

Make sure your guest knows exactly what is expected of them in terms of checking out. Don’t make them have to contact you to figure out how to do things like where to leave the keys. Ideally, you would supply written information in the unit that they can readily access in their own language.

Ask For The Review

Airbnb automatically reminds guests to leave reviews. But to get more positive reviews, go ahead and message your guest yourself. Wait until the end of their stay or shortly after they’ve checked out. Say that you hope their stay lived up to their expectations, and that you would very much appreciate an honest review.

Leave a Review Yourself

Be sure to leave a positive review for your guests whenever possible. This will make them feel more inclined to leave you a positive review.When you follow these tips, you’ll be more likely to create a relationship with each guest, which will encourage them to leave a review to support you when they leave.

If you’re looking for professional Airbnb property management in Scottsdale, contact our team today for a free consultation!

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How to Pin Down the Best Airbnb Pricing for the Holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, more guests are making plans and booking accommodations. The key to attracting as many guests as possible for a lucrative season is setting the right holiday price point is important. As you work with an Airbnb property management company in Scottsdale, consider these three tips for creating the best price for your rental.

Consider Your Target Audience and Their Travel Habits

What does the typical holiday traveler look like at your Airbnb? If you get a lot of corporate travelers through the holidays, your price points should reflect the typical per-diem costs these travelers will be willing to spend. Likewise, if you get a lot of family vacationers, your pricing models should cater to the typical budget of that traveler. The closer you can align pricing with what target travelers prefer to spend, the more successful your rental will be.

Examine the Competing Property Pricing in Your Area

Take a look at some of the other properties available in the same area as your rental, especially those that offer similar amenities and amounts of space. How do their pricing models change for bookings through the holiday season? If you see there is a general uptick in pricing, you can compete by pricing your unit at a similar or slightly lower price. If you see the properties are going cheaper to allure holiday travelers, you may need to make adjustments to stay in competition through the season.

Work with a Property Manager for Valuable Pricing Insights

By working with a property management company, you gain access to information that can help you generate the most effective price points. At Sojourn Properties LLC, we utilize insightful analytical data from sources like SmartBnB and AirDNA to ensure your property has the most attractive pricing. These insightful resources allow us to keep tabs on trending pricing models and what works best for other properties.

Achieve the Best Pricing with Airbnb Management Services in Scottsdale

With the best price points in place for the holiday travel season, you are more likely to see your Airbnb properties returning the best profits. If you need help pinpointing the best pricing or other property management in Scottsdale, reach out to us at Sojourn Properties LLC.

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Appealing to Corporate Renters: How an Airbnb Can Stand Out Over Hotels

Corporate renters can be a huge source of revenue if you have an Airbnb in Scottsdale, AZ. However, there’s no doubt you have some fierce competition from neighboring hotels. We’ll look at how you can appeal to the corporate crowd and why your place might be a far better choice than the traditional options.

A Unique Place to Stay

Long-term renters definitely have options when it comes to hotels. There are a number of extended-stay rooms that feature everything from kitchens to jacuzzi tubs. Yet even the best hotels just can’t match the charm of a good Airbnb. These aren’t sanitized versions of home, they’re a real place where corporate workers can kick up their heels and relax after a difficult day.

In your marketing, make sure to show off the most unique parts of the house. In addition, stock up on everything in the kitchen. From pots and pans to gourmet coffee, these items can really convey comfort to the weary traveler.

A Good Place to Work

With so many people working both in and away from the office, an Airbnb might be a more restful place to work than a hotel (particularly if you have more than one bedroom). If you think you might have a lot of corporate traffic in Phoenix or Scottsdale, you should have a designated office with good lighting, a desk, and plenty of plugs. If you have remote workers stay with you, ask them for their suggestions on what would make for a better environment.

An Excellent Place to Sleep

If a corporate worker is going to spend 16 hours on the job, the bedroom is going to be pretty important to them. Make sure it’s big, comfortable, and a haven from the stresses of the office. (In other words, don’t skimp on the mattress, sheets, pillowcases, etc.)

Free Property Analysis in Phoenix, AZ

The corporate crowd is spending big bucks for their journeys, but it’s not uncommon for people to undersell their properties — even when they price compare. If you want to learn more about what your Airbnb is really worth, Sojourn Properties LLC can provide a free property analysis in Scottsdale, AZ.

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What Is PriceLabs and How Is It Designed for Rentals? 

All short-term rental owners know they should be changing their prices based on demand. From holidays to festivals, the value of a place will rise and fall depending on the season. Yet the formula to use when setting the prices every day isn’t always clear.

Yes, you can charge more, but just how much more? Are you leaving money on the table by pricing too low, or is it better to have an underpriced property that was booked rather than an overpriced one that sat empty? These are not straightforward questions, no matter how much people wish they were. It’s why many owners rely on PriceLabs, a technology that cuts through the much to a clear-cut solutions.

What Is PriceLabs?

Rental management in Scottsdale, AZ starts with putting a heavy emphasis on fiscal information. PriceLabs is a platform that uses algorithms to set prices for short-term rentals. By crunching the data, they recommend prices based on supply and demand of the market — regardless of what’s happening in your area.

So whether it’s a boring Monday during off-season in a ski town or a multi-day concert event with hundreds of thousands of attendees, PriceLabs helps rental owners control their pricing strategy. It gives people total peace of mind that they’re not missing out on additional revenue.

Why Use It?

This isn’t the only site out there that offers these services, but it is one of the most versatile. PriceLabs works with major booking sites like Airbnb and VRBO. It’s updated automatically, so property owners can optimize their rates. The dashboards are easy to manage and there are a variety of helpful options to customize your experience. It’s also excellent for telling you more about the trends dominating your area. Many users of PriceLabs found this exceptionally helpful after the volatility of the pandemic.

Property Management in Scottsdale, AZ

Sojourn Property LLC uses PriceLabs because we’ve found that it maximizes our client’s profit margins. We are Airbnb management experts in Scottsdale, AZ who can take the pressure off so you can focus on the benefits of your investment and not the hassles. To learn more about what else we can do to protect what you’ve worked so hard for, contact us today.

 

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How to Get Started as an Airbnb Host

If you own a well-kept home in an exotic locale or close to a popular tourist location, you can make extra money by renting it out to visitors as an Airbnb. Airbnb hosts make thousands of dollars a month by doing little more than allowing strangers to stay in their homes. If this sounds like a good revenue stream, we have four tips on how to get started as an Airbnb host.

Step 1: Take a Good, Long Look at Your Home

If your spaces need updating or a good coat of paint, you’ll want to take care of these issues before listing your home on Airbnb. Not everyone who wants to become a host is accepted, and the selection process is detailed. Your home should look nice, feature modern amenities, and boast a prime location that’s close to the places people want to go.

Step 2: Take Professional Pictures of Your Home and Landscaping

The better your pictures, the more people will want to rent your home. While it’s not necessary to call in a professional photographer, you should use a good camera and lots of natural light to photograph your home’s features. Make sure your home is tidy and well decorated, and be sure to take pics of all the spaces guests will be able to use, including:

  • Bedrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Baths
  • Common areas
  • Game rooms
  • Outdoor porches or decks
  • Included amenities, such as gazebos, rose gardens, or in-law suites

Step 3: List Your Property on Airbnb

When you’re ready, upload your listing and photos to the Airbnb website. You’ll need to decide on such things as your nightly rate, cleaning charge, cancellation policy, service fees and taxes, and whether you’ll allow guests to instantly book before you’ve had a chance to talk with them and review their profile.

Step 4: Invite Guests Into Your Home

You can choose whether to meet your guests in person, but most hosts simply leave a lockbox with a key. Small incentives are always nice to leave for your guests, as they’ll review their experience on the Airbnb site after their stay. You might consider leaving a welcome basket on the table with a map of the local area or providing luxury soaps and bath products near the shower.

Sojourn Properties, LLC, can help you manage your Airbnb properties in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you make the most of your Airbnb hosting experience.

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3 Ways to Make Your Short-Term Rental More Attractive to Workationers

The word workcationer might not be a household portmanteau just yet, but it seems like it’s only a matter of time. With so many people being able to do their jobs from anywhere these days, it’s no wonder people are starting to rethink not just where they vacation but where they work too.

After all, if they’re going to have to be at the meeting anyway, they might as well have something nice to look at. (And you might as well pick up the trade if you have a property worth its salt.) Here’s how you can make your short-term rental management in Scottsdale, AZ appeal to this new crowd.

Speak to Their Needs

Your job here is to think through what your renters will need at their job. This includes high-speed internet, a quality chair that offers lumbar support or a luxury standing desk, and ancillary items like paper, pens, and Post-Its. You can show off all your amenities through pictures and note the details in text.

Play Up the Benefits of Your Property

Is your place next to a great coffee shop? Does it have a view of the natural landscape? Is there a nice place for renters to grab dinner after they wrap up for the day? People get away from their homes for the sake of something different, and not everything has to be the best of the best to make a big impression. Even if it’s just a diner with friendly owners next door, this can speak to someone who’s looking for a change of pace.

Choose the Right Property Managers in Scottsdale or Phoenix, AZ

A short-term property manager in Scottsdale, AZ or Phoenix, AZ can have a lot to do with how your guests both perceive your property before they book, what kind of experience they have when they’re there, and what they tell their loved ones after they leave.

Having the right partners by your side can help you learn more about how to make your short-term rental more tempting to workcationers (both now and in the future). Contact us today to learn more about how Sojourn Properties, LLC can be of service.

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Why Professional Photos Are a Must for Your Short-Term Rental Property

Quality professional photos for a short-term property will heighten the appeal of every room and make it easier for your customers to picture themselves at home in your place. That kind of first-impression connection is what drives profits, especially when you consider how common it is for people to waffle over which rental to pick.

Constant Turnover

Short-term rental photos in Scottsdale, AZ can help your property stay occupied without cutting into your bottom line. A good photographer isn’t just taking a few snapshots and calling it a day, they’re analyzing the best features of the place and highlighting them in brilliant color.

Most people vastly underestimate just how much time it takes to photograph their place. An amateur could easily spend all day for nothing more than a few lackluster shots. A professional photographer may only produce a few select images, but you’ll immediately notice the difference in quality. If you’re spending a lot of time and money to make the place shine every day, you might as well hire someone who will capture all that hard work.

The Psychology of Rentals

The strategy of a long-term vs. a short-term rental is undoubtedly different, but the end goal for both is to tempt the buyer to take the next step. Photographers work with lines of your home, drawing an onlooker to notice the comfy cashmere blankets scattered around the living room or the reading chair in the corner.

Plus, there’s an even more subtle effect happening when a person scans their eyes over professional photos. They send a message that the owners are proud of the space and they treat it with the respect it deserves. Even if a renter can’t always define this concept just from looking at a picture, it’s powerful enough to bump up your bottom line.

Short-Term Property Management in Phoenix

If you’re looking for short-term property management in Phoenix, AZ or Scottsdale, AZ, Sojourn Properties LLC can take a lot off your plate. Owning a property comes with a number of responsibilities, and it’s easy to let one fall through the cracks. We’re here to cover the details, so you can focus on the bigger picture.

 

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How to Use Your City’s Best Attractions to Attract Airbnb Guests

Location is the word that real estate agents use when they want to highlight the value of a property, and while amenities are certainly important, the concept of placement is even more applicable to a short-term rental. So how exactly can you use the attractions of the city to keep your dates booked at all the right prices? We’ll look at the top ways to get the beauty of your city across.

Decide on One Angle

A quality short-term rental management company in Scottsdale, AZ will tell you that marketing is all about getting people to remember your property. Trying to market too many angles to your customers may seem like a great way to attract more people, but you could risk confusing your customers too.

Instead, think of one angle for your city or town to try to draw people in. Not everyone goes for the hustle and bustle of places like New York City, so you might want to advertise your location as laid-back and casual. Or if you book with lots of childless couples, you can emphasize all the romance to be found outside your doors.

Text, Pictures, Videos

Writing about your town or city should be kept to a quick, skimmable blurb. If people want to do additional research, maybe give them a link or two or invite them to ask you questions about where to go and what to do. You can also use select photos or even a quick video of your city to really showcase what it’s worth.

Also, don’t be afraid of a little contrast when it comes to picking attractions. For instance, if your city is known for having the world’s largest spoon sculpture, put a photo of it front and center. Then follow it up with your favorite off-the-beaten-path location.

Short Term Rental Management in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ

Attracting people to an Airbnb is all about knowing the market. If you want to find Airbnb management experts in Scottsdale or Phoenix, AZ, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you maximize the profits from your property using all the best Arizona has to offer.

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Why You Need to Always Screen All Your Airbnb Guests

Why You Need to Always Screen All Your Airbnb Guests

As you rent out your Airbnb to guests, you have to accept that inviting strangers into the property poses a certain level of risk. Fortunately, you can minimize the risk of adverse events by screening each and every one of your guests. With that move, you can keep potentially costly events at bay and make the most of your rental experience. Whether handled by your property management company in Scottsdale, Arizona, or on your own, here’s how proper screening can benefit you.

Prevent Theft and Damage

Without proper screening, you truly don’t know if your guests are who they say they are. As a result, you’ll likely find it quite difficult to hold them accountable for any theft or damage that occurs during their stay. Beyond that, without full verification, guests may not feel as accountable for the condition and security of your property as they would otherwise.

Drop Booking Restrictions

With a regular independent screening process, you can drop booking restrictions, like only accepting guests with a high rating on Airbnb. This allows you to get more newcomers to stay at your rental, potentially resulting in long-term loyalty to your properties. Furthermore, you can pick up last-minute reservations more often, which are often considered high risk without screening in place.

Boost Overall Revenues

As screening helps you keep damages to a minimum, boost reservation rates, and increase loyalty to your Airbnb properties, your revenues will come up in kind. You can then get more out of every stay, allowing you to funnel the money back into the property and make it even more popular with short-term renters. You might even get enough to buy another property to use as a rental, boosting your income even more.

If you’d like to optimize your guest screening process, our Scottsdale Airbnb property management team can help. We’re available at 602-492-4121 any time you’d like to talk about boosting the performance of your Airbnb. We can perform a free property analysis or simply take over the care of your rental, so you can enjoy excellent revenues while saying goodbye to the daily demands.

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3 Reasons Why Your Airbnb Needs a Ring Doorbell

As you prepare your property to serve as an Airbnb rental, you undoubtedly strive to go above and beyond for your guests. One smart way to do that is by installing a Ring Doorbell at the main entry point, so you can ensure their safety and provide the highest quality of service. You can benefit from that move, too, as it improves the overall security of your rental. Ready to learn more? Here’s a quick look at why Scottsdale Airbnb property management companies are recommending the Ring Doorbell for all rentals.

Guest Safety

With the Ring Doorbell installed, you can set it to turn on the lights as your guests arrive and again when they head out the door. If you set up a linked screen inside, they can check who’s at the door before answering and look around the area before stepping foot outside. You can set the doorbell to respond to many other actions as well to help your guests feel completely safe while staying at your Airbnb.

Quality Service

When the Ring Doorbell lets you know your guests have arrived, you can roll out the red carpet right on cue. As they waltz through the doors, you can let them know about the fresh baked goods on the counter, complimentary toiletries in the bathroom, and any other extras you left for their enjoyment. As a result, every guest who stays at your Airbnb will then feel wholly impressed with your incredible level of service and be much more likely to come back for another stay.

Rental Security

Through your Ring app, you can confirm that your guests are following your visitor restrictions during their stay. It will let you know if a lot of people are arriving – like for a big party, for example – so you can send out a friendly reminder about the rental terms. You can also use the info as proof if your guests damage your rental, especially if the problem occurs due to a breach of contract.

Want help maximizing the performance of your Airbnb rental? Just reach out to our property management company in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a call to 602-492-4121. We can provide a free property analysis, help prepare your property for the short-term rental market, and oversee its performance every step of the way. So, please feel free to give us a call anytime to learn more.

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